Hoisting machine arrangement and elevator

Abstract

The invention relates to a hoisting machine arrangement (1) for an elevator, comprising a hoisting machine (2) comprising a motor (3) and one or more drive wheels (4,5) coaxially connected to the motor (6) and having a horizontal rotation axis (X1); a support frame (7) for supporting the hoisting machine (2); a hinge arrangement (9) between the hoisting machine (2) and the support frame (7), the hoisting machine (2) being mounted via said hinge arrangement (9) pivotally on the support frame (7) around a pivot axis (X2), which pivot axis (X2) is parallel to the rotation axis (X1) and extends a horizontal distance (D) apart from the rotation axis (X1); and one or more elastic members (8) vertically between support frame (7) and the hoisting machine (2), the hoisting machine (2) being mounted on the support frame (7) via said one or more elastic members (8) to rest vertically supported by the support frame (7); wherein the hoisting machine (2) is movable relative to the support frame (7) upwards and downwards by pivoting around said pivot axis (X2), the pivoting movement in particular at least downwards being elastically resisted by the one or more elastic members (8). The invention also relates to an elevator (100) implementing the hoisting machine arrangement (1).

Description

[0001] HOISTING MACHINE ARRANGEMENT AND ELEVATOR

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a hoisting machine arrangement for an elevator and an elevator. The elevator is preferably an elevator for transporting passengers and / or goods.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] An elevator may comprise a car, a hoistway, a gearless hoisting machine, hoisting ropes, and a counterweight. The hoisting machine may be positioned in the hoistway. The hoisting machine may comprise an electric motor, one or more drive wheels coaxially connected to the motor (also known as a traction sheave), and a machine brake. A rotating field in the electric motor causes rotation of the drive wheel. The hoisting ropes engage the drive wheel and support the elevator car and the counterweight on opposite sides of the drive wheel. Rotation of the drive wheel causes movement of the hoisting ropes and thereby also movement of the car and the counterweight.

[0006] Traditionally elevators are provided with steel ropes running around the drive wheel of the hoisting machine. Recently, ropes with improved engagement ability with a drive wheel, such as high friction ropes, have become more common. Such ropes may be round and comprising a coating facilitating the engagent. The ropes may also be in the form of belts, which typically have a high-friction coating, such as a polyurethane coating. Load bearing members of the ropes may be twisted steel or twisted fiber cords or they can be made of composite material comprising synthetic fibers, such as glass fibers or carbon fibers embedded in polymer matrix, for example.

[0007] Coated hoisting ropes cause a higher friction between the ropes and the traction sheave than traditional steel ropes. Due to said higher friction, firm engagement with a drive wheel is achievable, and the diameter of the traction sheave may be reduced, leading to higher speed of rotation of the traction sheave. The coating can also be provided with a shape for facilitating engagement between the ropes and the drive wheel, such as a tooth pattern or polyvee shape. Thanks to the higher rotation speed achievable, less motor torque is required, and smaller-size motor may be used in the elevator hoisting machine for driving an elevator car. Therefore, use of coated hoisting ropes may lead to a hoisting machine design, which is substantially small in radial dimensions but longer in axial dimensions of the machine. Such hoisting machine may be disposed in top portion of elevator hoistway. The hoisting machine may be mounted in its place via elastic dampers for dampening vibration, such as rubber dampers or spring dampers.

[0008] An elevator may have plurality of parallel hoisting ropes extending around each the drive wheel adjacent each in axial direction of the hoisting machine and the drive wheel. The rope position in said axial direction may be controlled by shapes of the drive wheel provided for each individual rope, such as by rope grooves, crowning shapes, polyvee shapes or toothed shapes. The rope is then shaped to form a counterpart for the shape of the drive wheel.

[0009] Vertical forces acting on different points of the hoisting machine may lead to tilting of the hoisting machine. Elevators having a large number of parallel ropes and / or a wide rope fleet, e.g. due to reason that the individual ropes need to be thin so as to enable small turning diameter, as may be required when a gearless machinery is used with high rotational speed, or generally in elevators where for any other reason the horizontal distance between furthermost ropes in said axial direction is great, are sensitive to issues caused by tilt the hoisting machine. This is particularly likely when the hoisting machine support comprises elasticity used for elimination of vibration. Said tilting may cause different issues, such as one or more of the following: unintended and / or uneven force distributions in components such as ropes and / or rope wheels for example, uneven wear of elevator components, axial crawling of the ropes along the drive wheel, such that they move away from their intended locations.

[0010] Brief description of the invention

[0011] The object of the invention is to introduce an improved hoisting machine arrangement for an elevator and an elevator.

[0012] An object is particularly to introduce a solution by which one or more of the above-mentioned problems of prior art and / or drawbacks discussed or implied elsewhere in the description can be alleviated.

[0013] An object is particularly to introduce a solution where the hoisting machine can be made compact in radial direction thereof such that it may be disposed in a small space such as in particular in the top portion of elevator hoistway, while being simultaneously able to reduce transmission of vibrations and allowing firm and simple mounting of the hoisting machine.

[0014] It is introduced a new hoisting machine arrangement for an elevator, comprising a hoisting machine, the hoisting machine comprising a motor and one or more drive wheels coaxially connected to the motor and having a horizontal rotation axis (XI). The hoisting machine arrangement comprises a support frame for supporting the hoisting machine and a hinge arrangement between the hoisting machine and the support frame, the hoisting machine being mounted via said hinge arrangement pivotally on the support frame around a pivot axis (X2), which pivot axis (X2) is parallel to the rotation axis (XI) and extends a horizontal distance (D) apart from the rotation axis (XI); and one or more elastic members vertically between support frame and the hoisting machine, the hoisting machine being mounted on the support frame via said one or more elastic members to rest vertically supported by the support frame in particular via said one or more elastic members. The hoisting machine is movable relative to the support frame upwards and downwards by pivoting around said pivot axis (X2). The one or more elastic members are in particular arranged to elastically resist at least downwards directed pivoting movement of the hoisting machine around said pivot axis X2. The pivoting movement is in particular at least downwards being elastically resisted by the one or more elastic members.

[0015] With this kind of solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be facilitated.

[0016] Preferable further details of the hoisting machine arrangement are introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the hoisting machine arrangement individually or in any combination.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the assembly of the motor 3 and the one or more drive wheels is longer than its width, preferably at least 1.5, more preferably at least 2 times longer. More precisely, preferably the total length (L) of the motor and one or more drive wheels coaxially connected to the motor as measured in direction of the rotation axis (XI) is greater than the greatest width (W) of the motor and one or more drive wheels coaxially connected to the motor as measured in its radial direction of the motor. Preferably, L is at least 1.5, more preferably at least 2 times the width W.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the support frame is mounted on one or more vertically oriented guide rails for guiding an elevator car and / or on one or more vertically oriented guide rails for guiding the counterweight, to be vertically carried by said one or more vertically oriented guide rails.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the hoisting machine arrangement comprises one or more hoisting ropes passing around each said drive wheel.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the pivot axis (X2) extends beside the motor and said one or more drive wheels.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the pivot axis (X2) is within the height of the one or more drive wheels. This facilitates that the angular displacement in pivoting translates to the hoisting machine being displaced much in vertical direction and at most little in horizontal direction. Thus, the displacement is at least substantially parallel with the vertical. Thus, the ability to attenuate vibration in vertical direction is good and transmitting of vibration in vertical direction from the motor and the drive wheel(s) is effectively attenuated.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal distance (D) is greater than radius of the one or more drive wheels, preferably at least 2 times, more preferably at least 4 times the radius of the one or more drive wheels, preferably more.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal distance (D) is shorter than 10 times the radius of the one or more drive wheels ; and / or the radius r is between 4 and 20 cm, most preferably between 4 and 10 cm; and / or the horizontal distance (D) is greater than 15 cm and shorter than 80 cm.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, said one or more elastic members are springs, preferably compression springs, such as preferably helical springs.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the motor comprises a rotor, and the one or more drive wheels of the hoisting machine comprises a first and second drive wheel, which are coaxially connected to the rotor in axial direction XI of the motor on opposite sides of the rotor. The motor is thus between the a first and second drive wheel.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the drive wheels are fixedly connected to the rotor of the motor of the hoisting machine.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the support frame comprises a first support structure extending below the hoisting machine, said one or more elastic members being in vertical direction between the first support structure and the hoisting machine. This is preferably implemented such that said one or more elastic members are on top of the first support structure, and below the hoisting machine. The hoisting machine is then mounted on the first support structure via said one or more elastic members such that it rests vertically supported by the first support structure via said one or more elastic members.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the support frame comprises a second support structure extending beside the hoisting machine, the hoisting machine being mounted via said hinge arrangement pivotally on the second support structure of the support frame. The first support structure is fixedly connected to the second support structure.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the hoisting machine 2 has a range of vertical movement at least 10 mm, in particular in different load states of the car 15 of the elevator. This moveability facilitates efficient vibration attenuation. This is more precisely such that one or more elastic members are dimensioned such that the hoisting machine 2 positions at a first vertical level LI when the car 15 is empty and at a second vertical level L2 when the car 15 is half loaded and at a third vertical level L3 when the car 15 is full loaded, the vertical level LI being at least 5 mm higher than L2 and / or the vertical level L2 being at least 5 mm higher than L3 and / or the vertical level LI being at least 10 mm higher than L3.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the hinge arrangement connects the hoisting machine to the support frame, in particular to the second support structure thereof, pivotally around a pivot axis (X2) at at least a first and second positions (P1,P2), which are in direction of the pivot axis (X2) at a distance (d) from each other, said distance (d) being preferably greater than half of the distance between the first (lOfirst) and last (lOlast) of the ropes and / or the distance between the first (Rfirst) and last (Rlast) of the rope receiving rim locations of the one or more drive wheels as viewed in direction of axis (XI).

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the hinge arrangement comprises a first pivot joint (JI) at said first position (Pl) and a second pivot joint (J2) at said second position (P2) between the hoisting machine and the second support structure. In a preferred embodiment, said pivot joints are in direction of the pivot axis (X2) apart from each other in direction of the axis (XI).

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the first pivot joint (JI) and a second pivot joint (J2) comprises a hinge arm fixedly connected to the hoisting machine which hinge arm is connected pivotally to the second support structure via a pivot pin.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, said connection points (P1,P2) are in direction of the rotation axis (XI) on opposite sides of the central point of the rotor and / or on opposite axial sides of the rotor.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, said one or more elastic members are at the same horizontal side of the axis X2 as the axis XI. Preferably, said horizontal distance of one or more of said elastic members from the axis XI is shorter than half of the distance D. Preferably, one or more of said elastic members are below the axis XI.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, said one or more elastic members comprise elastic members, which are in direction of the pivot axes (XI, X2) at a distance from each other.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, said one or more elastic members comprise one or more elastic members below a body member of the motor and the first support structure and / or one or more elastic members below a support body of each drive wheel comprised in the hoisting mavchine and the first support structure, wherein the support body and the motor are on the opposite sides of the drive wheel and supported vertically by the elastic members below it.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the first support structure is a horizontally planar metal plate portion on which the second support structure is in fixed connection. In a preferred embodiment, the first support structure comprises extending through it in vertical direction one or more openings for ropes passing on said other side of each drive wheel downwards from the drive wheel.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises a third support structure, which is a horizontally planar metal plate portion and fixed against the back face of a vertically oriented guide rail, said guide rail preferably being guide rail for guiding an elevator car.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the first support structure and the third support structure are plate portions of the same one-piece metal plate.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the hinge arrangement connects the hoisting machine pivotally to the support frame in particular to the second support structure around only one pivot axis (X2) obstructing pivoting of the hoisting machine relative to the support frame around other axes.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment, the second support structure comprises two parts in the form of support legs fixedly connected to each other via the first support structure.

[0042] It is also introduced a new elevator comprising a car and a counterweight, and a hoisting machine arrangement for moving the car and a counterweight as defined anywhere above or in any of the claims of the applicaton.

[0043] With this kind of solution one or more of the above-mentioned objects can be facilitated.

[0044] Preferable further details of the elevator and the arrangement have been introduced above in context of the method as well as will be introduced in the following, which further details can be combined with the elevator individually or in any combination.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the support frame is mounted immovably in the hoistway. In a preferred embodiment, the elevator comprises one or more vertically oriented guide rails for guiding an elevator car and one or more vertically oriented guide rails for guiding the counterweight.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the support frame is mounted on one or more vertically oriented guide rails for guiding an elevator car and / or on one or more vertically oriented guide rails for guiding the counterweight, to rest vertically supported by said one or more vertically oriented guide rails

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the car and the counterweight are disposed in a hoistway where they are vertically movable along guide rails with the hoisting machine arrangement.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the elevator / arrangement comprises one or more hoisting ropes passing around each said drive wheel.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the hoisting ropes comprise one or more load bearing members and a coating forming the surface of the rope, in particular via which it can engage a drive wheel of the hoisting machine, the coating comprising polymer material. The polymer is preferably polyurethane or possibly silicone but alternatively the coating can comprise rubber. The coating facilitates firm engagement between the drive wheel and the rope.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the hoisting ropes are belts. Thus, they have a width larger than thickness, width / thickness ratio preferably at least 2.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, each said hoisting rope supports on one side on one side of the drive wheel around which it passes, an elevator car and on the other side a counterweight.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, each said hoisting rope passes on one side of the drive wheel [around which it passes] from the drive wheel downwards to the elevator car, around one or more rope wheels thereof, and from said one or more rope wheels upwards to a rope fixing, and on the other side of the drive wheel [around which it passes] from the drive wheel downwards to the counterweight, around one or more rope wheels thereof, and from said one or more rope wheels upwards to a rope fixing.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the hoisting ropes have been arranged side by side such that they pass their whole lengths along parallel vertical planes.

[0054] Brief description of the drawings

[0055] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which

[0056] Figure 1 illustrates schematically a side view of an elevator according to an embodiment comprising a hoisting machine arrangement according to an embodiment

[0057] Figure 2 illustrates a partial upper view of the elevator and the hoisting machine of Figure 1.

[0058] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the structures of Figure 2.

[0059] Figure 4 illustrates a partial front view of the structures of Figure 2 without the hoisting ropes and the support frame 7 shown partially.

[0060] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the structures of Figure 2.

[0061] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the structures of Figure 2.

[0062] Detailed description

[0063] Figure 1 illustrates an elevator 100 according to an embodiment. The elevator 100 comprises a car 15, a counterweight 16 and a hoisting machine arrangement 1 according to an embodiment for moving the car 15 and the counterweight 16. The car 15 and the counterweight 16 are disposed in a hoistway 19 where they can vertically movable along guide rails 11,12 with the hoisting machine arrangement 1. The hoisting machine arrangement 1 comprises a hoisting machine 2 comprising a motor 3 and one or more drive wheels 4,5, in the illustrated preferred embodiment in particular two drive wheels 4,5 coaxially connected to the motor 3, in particular to a rotor 3a thereof. The one or more drive wheels 4,5 and the motor 3, in particular the rotor 3a thereof, have the same horizontal rotation axis XI. Coaxial connection facilitates compactness of the hoisting machine 2 in its radial direction.

[0064] The length L of the assembly of the motor 6 and the one or more drive wheels 4,5 is greater than its width W. More precisely, preferably the total length L of the motor 3 and one or more drive wheels 4,5 coaxially connected to the motor 3 as measured in direction of the rotation axis XI is greater than the greatest width W of the motor 3 and one or more drive wheels 4,5 coaxially connected to the motor 3 as measured in radial direction of the motor 3. This provides that the hoisting machine 2 can be made compact in radial direction thereof such that it may be disposed in a small space such as in particular in the top end of elevator hoistway 19. Preferably, in particular the length L is at least 1.5, more preferably at least 2 times the width W [as illustrated].

[0065] The elevator 100 and the hoisting machine arrangement 1 further comprise one or more hoisting ropes 10, in the illustrated preferred embodiment plurality of hoisting ropes 10, passing around each said drive wheel 4,5. Each said hoisting rope 10 supports on one side on one side of the drive wheel 4,5 around which it passes an elevator car 11 of the elevator 100 and on the other side a counterweight 12 of the elevator 100.

[0066] The hoisting machine arrangement 1 further comprises a support frame 7 for supporting the hoisting machine 2 and a hinge arrangement 9 between the hoisting machine 2 and the support frame 7, the hoisting machine 2 being mounted via said hinge arrangement 9 pivotally on the support frame 7 around a pivot axis X2, which pivot axis X2 is parallel to the aforementioned rotation axis XI and extends a horizontal distance D apart from the rotation axis XI. The hoisting machine arrangement 1 further comprises one or more elastic members 8, in the illustrated preferred embodiment plurality of them, vertically between the support frame 7 and the hoisting machine 2. The hoisting machine 2 is mounted on the support frame 7 via said one or more elastic members 8 such that it rests vertically supported by the support frame 7 via said one or more elastic members 8. The hoisting machine 2 is movable relative to the support frame 7 upwards and downwards by pivoting around said pivot axis X2. Hereby, horizontal and vertical support of the hoisting machine 2 can be substantially separated in an advantageous manner.

[0067] The one or more elastic members 8 are in particular arranged to elastically resist at least downwards directed pivoting movement of the hoisting machine 2 around said pivot axis X2. Thus, they form an elastic vertical suspension for the hoisting machine 2 that can reduce transmission of vibration and / or deform depending on load state of the elevator.

[0068] Hinged connection provides ability of the hoisting machine 2 to move along a controlled path downwards and upwards, while being supported horizontally in substantially the same place, without risk of excessive tilting of the hoisting machine 2 such that orientation of the axis XI changes [hereinafter also referred to as mere "tilting"]. This tilting would be likely to cause displacement [crawling] of ropes 10 along the drive wheel 4,5 in direction of said axis XI, which might lead to generally unintended effects, such as wear, collisions, or damages of components. The pivoting movement is resisted by elastic suspension provided by the elastic members 8, which reduces vibration transmitted from the motor to the building and / or to elevator components such as guide rails, for example. Thus, an advantage is that a vibration attenuation is achieved with small risk of rope displacement in direction of said axis XI.

[0069] The support frame 7 is mounted immovably in the hoistway 19, in particular in the top end thereof. The support frame 7 for supporting the hoisting machine 2 is implemented such that it comprises a first support structure 7a extending below the hoisting machine 2, said one or more elastic members 8 being in vertical direction between the first support structure 7a and the hoisting machine 2. The support frame 7 comprises a second support structure 7b; 7bl,7b2 extending beside the hoisting machine 2, the hoisting machine 2 being mounted via said hinge arrangement 9 pivotally on the second support structure 7b; 7bl,7b2 of the support frame 7. The first support structure 7a is fixedly connected to the second support structure 7b; 7bl,7b2. Thus, they together form parts of the same support frame 7 to which the hoisting machine 2 is connected via different kind of means, i.e. via a hinge arrangement 9 and one or more elastic members 8. These different means allow elastically resisted pivoting relative to the frame 7 serving as a rigid base.

[0070] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the one or more drive wheels 4,5 comprise a first drive wheel 4 and second drive wheel 5. These are on in axial direction XI of the motor on opposite sides of the rotor 3a of the motor 3 coaxially connected to the rotor 3a. This kind of positioning makes the hoisting machine in axial direction XI relatively long and consequently prone to tilt easily such that orientation of the axis XI changes angle unless this is effectively prevented. The hinged connection provides such an effective prevention of tilting. The connection is preferably fixed connection. The drive wheels 4,5 being fixedly connected to the rotor 3a, the connection is gearless and the rotor 3a and the drive wheels 4,5 are all rotatable together with the same speed of rotation. The rotor 3a is illustrated schematically by broken line in Figure 2. Stator structures of the motor 3 have also been shown schematically by broken line.

[0071] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the ropes 10 are belts. Belts are advantageous since they facilitate firm engagement with a drive wheel. Importantly, ropes 10 being belts facilitates using thin and easily bendable rope structure and thereby relatively small radius drive wheels, which on the other hand allows great rotation speed thereof and thereby coaxial / gearless connection with the motor 3. The ropes 10, when being belts have a width larger than thickness, the width / thickness ratio preferably being at least 2. Each rope 10 passes against and around a drive wheel 4,5. In the case the ropes 10 are belts, the wide face, which faces in thickness direction of the rope 10 extends against the drive wheel 4,5. The ropes 10 are positioned in axial direction XI at different positions of the drive wheels 4,5. Each of these features increases the length of the hoisting machine in axial direction XI thereby increasing its proneness to tilt such that orientation of the axis XI changes angle unless this is effectively prevented.

[0072] In the preferred embodiment, the pivot axis X2 is positioned such that it extends beside the motor 3 and beside said one or more drive wheels 4,5. This facilitates that in pivoting around the pivot axis X2, the hoisting machine 2 is initially displaced mostly in vertical direction and not much in horizontal direction orthogonal to the axis XI [left-right direction in Figure 1]. Preferably, more specifically, the pivot axis X2 is within the height h of the one or more drive wheels 4,5. Thus, the displacement is at least substantially parallel with the vertical. Thus, the ability to attenuate vibration in vertical direction is good and transmitting of vibration in vertical direction from the motor and the drive wheels is effectively attenuated. Also, the position of the hoisting ropes 10 in horizontal direction orthogonal to the axis XI is not substantially changed in the pivoting. The hinge arrangement 9 can thus provide support for the hoisting machine 2 mostly in horizontal direction and the elastic members 8 in vertical direction whereby substantial separaration of horizontal and vertical support of the hoisting machine 2 can be achieved. Owing to the connection being pivotal, the path of movement of the hoisting machine 2 in pivoting is arcuate. If the axes XI and X2 are at same vertical level, the hoisting machine 2 moves in pivoting initially purely vertically its direction of movement changing gradually in function of angular displacement. Vertical position of the hoisting machine 2 can change slightly due to its elastic support provided by the one or more elastic members 8 and sudden changes of load directed on the hoisting machine by ropes 10. The aforementioned preferred positioning of the pivot axis X2 is within the height h of the one or more drive wheels 4,5 is preferably realized at least when the car 15 is half loaded 50% of rated load. This preferred equilibrium positioning can however be designed to be realized however also with any load, which can be achieved by dimensioning of the one or more elastic members 8.

[0073] In the preferred embodiment, the horizontal distance D is greater than radius r of the one or more drive wheels 4,5, preferably at least 2 times, more preferably at least 4 times the radius of the one or more drive wheels 4,5. This facilitates that the path of movement of the hoisting machine 2 in the pivoting is such a large radius circular path that it can be moved in close to vertical direction a relatively long distance before the movement direction thereof turns to horizontal. Thus, pivoting does not cause excessive horizontal displacement of the one or more drive wheels 4,5 and the hoisting ropes 10 passing around it / them. The horizontal distance D is however preferably shorter than 10 times the radius of the one or more drive wheels 3,4. The radius r is preferably between 4 and 20 cm, most preferably between 4 and 10 cm. Relatively small radius allows great rotation speed of the motor and thereby gearless construction. In most elevators, good results can be achieved when the distance D is between 15 cm and 80 cm, more preferably between 15 and 50 cm. The small radius of the one or more drive wheels 4,5 on the other hand makes the hoisting machine 2 in axial direction XI relatively long [because a wide fleet of relatively thin ropes is needed] and consequently the hoisting machine to sensitive to experience tilting. For this reason, the mounting of the hoisting machine 2 with the hinge arrangement is advantageous.

[0074] As visible in Figures 2-4, in the preferred embodiment, the hinge arrangement 9 connects the hoisting machine 2 to the support frame 7, in particular to the second support structure 7b thereof, pivotally around a pivot axis X2 at at least a first and second positions P1,P2, which are in direction of the pivot axis X2 at a distance d from each other. This means that connection is established not only in a single position but at spaced apart positions whereby effective prevention of tilting is facilitated. Said distance d is preferably greater than half of the distance between the first lOfirst and last lOlast of the ropes 10 and / or the distance between the first Rfirst and last Rlast of the rope receiving rim portions of the one or more drive wheels 4,5 as viewed in direction of axis XI. Thus, the distance d is substantial and effective prevention of tilting is facilitated. Particularly, tilting effect resulting from torque caused by rope tension can be alleviated.

[0075] The hinge arrangement 9 comprises a first pivot joint JI at said first position Pl and a second pivot joint J2 at said second position P2 between the hoisting machine 2 and the second support structure 7b.

[0076] In the embodiment illustrated, said pivot joints J1,J2 are in direction of the pivot axis X2 apart from each other in direction of the axis XI.

[0077] The pivotal connection could be established, as an alternative to two joints J1,J2, with a different amount of joints and with different length of joints, e.g. with one long joint or numerous joints e.g. 3,4,5 or more. For effective tilting prevention, distance d between connection points being relatively long is advantageous, and it is not necessary to implement this with a specific number of joints.

[0078] Preferably, the positioning is speficically such that said connection points P1,P2 are in direction of the rotation axis XI on opposite sides of the central point c of the rotor 3a and / or on opposite axial sides of the rotor 3a.

[0079] Preferably, the first pivot joint JI and a second pivot joint J2 each comprises at least one hinge arm 13a, 13b; 13c, 13d fixedly connected to the hoisting machine 2 which hinge arm 13a, 13b; 13c, 13d is connected pivotally to the second support structure 7b;7bl,7b2 via a pivot pin 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the joints share a continuous pivot pin 14, but this is not necessary since each joint J1,J2 could have its own pivot pin.

[0080] The hoisting arrangement 1 of the preferred embodiment is implemented more precisely such that said one or more elastic members 8 are on top of the first support structure 7a, and below the hoisting machine 2. The hoisting machine 2 is then mounted on the first support structure 7a via said one or more elastic members 8 such that it rests vertically supported by the first support structure 7a via said one or more elastic members 8.

[0081] In the preferred embodiment, said one or more elastic members 8 are springs, more precisely compression springs. The springs 8 are preferably helical springs, as illustrated in Figure 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the compression springs 8 are vertically oriented. The movement of the hoisting machine 2 downwards causes compression of each said springs 8 in its longitudinal direction, i.e. the direction of its axis. Each said spring 8 resist compression in its longitudinal direction whereby the movement of the hoisting machine 2 downwards is elastically resisted by the elastic members 8.

[0082] The hoisting machine 2 has preferably a range of vertical movement at least 10 mm, in particular in different load states of the car 15 of the elevator. This moveability facilitates efficient vibration attenuation. This vertical movement meant here is vertical movement occurring when the hoisting machine 2 pivots around the pivot axis X2. This is more precisely such that one or more elastic members 8 are dimensioned such that the hoisting machine 2 positions at a first vertical level LI when the car 15 is empty and at a second vertical level L2 when the car 15 is half loaded loaded with 50 % of rated load and at a third vertical level L3 when the car 15 is full loaded loaded with 100 % of rated load, the vertical level LI being at least 5 mm higher than L2 and / or the vertical level L2 being at least 5 mm higher than L3 and / or the vertical level LI being at least 10 mm higher than L3. Excessive movability is however not useful and may be harmful in some cases. The aforementioned range of vertical movement is preferably at most 60 mm. More precisely, it is preferred that the vertical level LI is at most 30 mm higher than L2 and / or the vertical level L2 being at most 30 mm higher than L3 and / or the vertical level LI being at most 60 mm higher than L3. The range of movement can be adjusted by choice of properties of the elastic members 8, e.g. by choosing compression springs with such rigidity and length that they together provide the range of movement desired.

[0083] The one or more elastic members 8 are positioned in vertical direction between the first support structure 7a and the hoisting machine 2 at the same horizontal side [on the left side in Figure 1] of the pivot axis X2 as the rotation axis XI. The horizontal distance of one or more of said elastic members 8, in the illustrated case all of them, from the axis XI is preferably shorter than half of the distance D. This proximity to the axis XI provides that they can give support close to the position of the loads caused in hoisting, in the illustrated elevator in particular load caused by the hoisting machine and the car 15 and counterweigh 16 carried by it via the hoisting ropes 10. Preferably, the elastic members 8, or at least some of them, are below the axis XI, in particular such that the axis XI intersects the vertical projection of said elastic members 8.

[0084] The more elastic members 8 are moreover positioned in direction of the rotational axis XI and the pivot axis X2 such that said one or more elastic members 8 comprise elastic members 8, which are in direction of the pivot axis X2 at a distance from each other, and at the same horizontal side of the pivot axis X2 as the rotation axis XI as above mentioned.

[0085] Each said elastic members 8 is between a part of the hoisting machine, which does not rotate together with the rotor and drive wheels 4,5. In particular, in the preferred embodiment of Figures 1-4, said one or more elastic members 8 comprise one or more elastic members 8a below a body member 3e of the motor 3 and the first support structure 7a and one or more elastic members 8b below a support body 3f of each drive wheel 4,5 comprised in the hoisting machine 2 and the first support structure 7a, wherein the support body 2f and the motor 3 are on the opposite sides of the drive wheel 4,5 and supported vertically by the elastic members 8b below it. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the drive wheel 4,5 is rotatably supported on its support body 2f. The support body 2f of each drive wheel 4,5 is a bearing casing comprising bearings via which it supports the drive wheel 4,5. The hoisting machine 2 also comprises a brake 21 per each drive wheel actuatable to compress by brake members 21b [e.g. brake pads] a brake disc 21a rotating together with the drive wheel 4,5. In the illustrated embodiments, the brakes 21 are at the ends of the drive wheels 4,5 and mounted on the support body 21, which gives them support against rotating together with the friction plate. The brakes 21 could also be in some other location or even omitted. Each brake comprises moreover an actuator for actuating the brake members 21b to move in direction of axis XI towards and / or away from each other so as to cause and / or release compression of the brake disc by the brake members 21b. The construction of the brakes 21 could be also different and therefore not shown in details.

[0086] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the hoisting ropes 10 have been arranged such that each said hoisting rope 10 passes on one side of the drive wheel 4,5 [around which it passes] from the drive wheel 4,5downwards to the elevator car 15, around one or more rope wheels 15a thereof, and from said one or more rope wheels 15a upwards to a rope fixing 17, and on the other side of the drive wheel 4,5 [around which it passes] from the drive wheel downwards to the counterweight 12, around one or more rope wheels thereof 16a, and from said one or more rope wheels upwards to a rope fixing 18. Each said rope fixing 17,18 is mounted stationary in the hoistway 19.

[0087] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the hoisting ropes 10 have been arranged side by side, in particular such that they pass their whole lengths along parallel vertical planes. For this purpose they are arranged to turn only around wheels 4, 5, 15a, 16a having horizontal rotation axes, i.e. around a drive wheel of the hoisting machine, rope wheels 15a, 16a of the car 15 and counterweight 16. Hereby, twist in the individual ropes can be minimized. The roping is also hereby simple and compact to guide in the hoistway. These features are most advantageous when the ropes are particularly belts, but they are also advantageous with other kind of ropes. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the elevator 100 comprises one or more vertically oriented guide rails 11 for guiding an elevator car 15 and one or more vertically oriented guide rails 11 for guiding the counterweight 16. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the support frame 7 is mounted on one or more vertically oriented guide rails 11 for guiding an elevator car 15 and / or on one or more vertically oriented guide rails 12 for guiding the counterweight 16, to vertically rest supported by said one or more vertically oriented guide rails 11,12. The one or more vertically oriented guide rails 11,12 carry at least partially but preferably fully the weight of the the support frame 7. Hereby, at least part, but preferably all, of the loads caused by the hoisting machine 1 can be carried by the guide rails. This inter alia reduces and simplifies mechanical connections between the hoisting function structures and the building structures, which makes the elevator simple to install in different hoistways and facilitates isolation of the hoisting machine from the building. No machine room is needed for instance. The moveability provided by the hinge arrangement 9 and the elastic members 8 facilitates carrying of loads such that transmitting of vibration from the hoisting machine 2 to the guide rails 11,12 is attenuated. The guide rails 11,12 are preferably mounted by brackets to walls [not shown] of the hoistway 19 to take horizontal support from the walls, as it is common in elevators. Such brackets are then distributed at intervals along the length of the guide rails 11,12. The guide rails 11,12 preferably stand on top of a floor [not shown] of the hoistway 19, whereby vertical forces can be transmitted to the floor, as it is common in elevators.

[0088] The preferred details of the frame 7 are described hereinafter. The first support structure 7a is a horizontally planar metal plate portion on which the second support structure 7b is in fixed connection. The first support structure 7a comprises one or more openings o extending through it in vertical direction for ropes 10 passing on said other side of each drive wheel 4,5 downwards from the drive wheel 4,5. The support structure 7 comprises a third support structure 7c, which is a horizontally planar metal plate portion and fixed against the back face of a vertically oriented guide rail 11, said guide rail preferably being guide rail for guiding an elevator car 15. The first support structure 7a and the third support structure 7c are plate portions of the same one-piece metal plate.

[0089] In the preferred embodiment, the hinge arrangement 9 connects the hoisting machine 2 pivotally to the support frame 7 in particular to the second support structure 7b around only one pivot axis X2 obstructing pivoting of the hoisting machine 2 relative to the support frame 7 around other axes. Thus, tilting prevention is facilitated.

[0090] Generally, the ropes 10 can be belts as illustrated in the preferred embodiments, but alternatively they could be of different cross-section such as round ropes. At least part of the advantages are achievable irrespective of the structure of individual ropes.

[0091] In general, the ropes, irrespective of whether they are belts or round in cross section, preferably have one or more load bearing members and a coating, the coating comprising polymer material and forming the surface of the rope 10 via which it engages a drive wheel 4,5 of the hoisting machine 2. The polymer is preferably polyurethane or possibly silicone but alternatively the coating can comprise rubber. The coating facilitates firm engagement between the drive wheel 4,5 and the rope 10, which facilitates using relatively small radius drive wheels

[0092] The ropes 10, when being belts, may be smooth or contoured, e.g. to have a polyvee shape, or toothed shape, by which polyvee or toothed shape the belts 10 engage with the drive wheel 4,5 around which it passes. This facilitates firmness of the engagement the drive wheel 4,5 and the rope 10.

[0093] The drive wheels are preferably provided with rope receiving rim portions for the ropes 10. If the ropes 10 are round in cross section, the drive wheels 4,5 are preferably provided with a groove or corresponding rope receiving rim portion for each rope 10. If the ropes are belts, the rope receiving rim portions can be grooves, or toothed rim portions or polyvee rim portions or crowning shapes. Each rope 10 is shaped to form a counterpart for the rope receiving rim portion of the drive wheel.

[0094] Generally, any one of the support structures 7a, 7b, 7c or each said support structure 7a, 7b, 7c can be made from one part or more than one parts in fixed connection to each other. In the illustrated example for instance, the second support structure 7b has two parts in the form of support legs 7bl,7b2 fixedly connected to each other via the first support structure 7a. Preferably, although not necessarily, the hinge arrangement 9 more specifically comprises a first pivot joint JI at said first position Pl between the hoisting machine 2 and one 7bl of the legs of the second support structure 7b and a second pivot joint J2 at said second position P2 between the hoisting machine 2 and another 7b2 of the legs of the second support structure 7b.

[0095] Generally, change of load can cause pivoting of the hoisting machine around the pivot axis X2 and thereby slightly change the relative position of parts of the hoisting machine 1, hinge arrangement and the support frame 7. Generally, if not otherwise specified, the position of the parts relative to each other are defined in the application such that they are realized at least in a state of the elevator when the car 15 is half loaded loaded with 50 % of rated load.

[0096] Generally, the motor is preferably an electric motor 3. The motor 3 is preferably a radial flux permanent magnet motor, in particular an inner rotor motor.

[0097] Generally, the one or more elastic members are preferably fixed to the hoisting machine 2 and / or the support frame 7.

[0098] As mentioned, said one or more elastic members 8 are preferably springs. This is, however not necessary, because alternatively each elastic member could be some other form of elastic member, such as a block of elastic material such as rubber, or a gas spring. It is to be understood that the above description and the accompanying Figures are only intended to teach the best way known to the inventors to make and use the invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The above- described embodiments of the invention may thus be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) for an elevator, comprising a hoisting machine (2) comprising a motor (3) and one or more drive wheels (4,5) coaxially connected to the motor (6) and having a horizontal rotation axis (XI); a support frame (7) for supporting the hoisting machine (2); a hinge arrangement (9) between the hoisting machine (2) and the support frame (7), the hoisting machine (2) being mounted via said hinge arrangement (9) pivotally on the support frame (7) around a pivot axis (X2), which pivot axis (X2) is parallel to the rotation axis (XI) and extends a horizontal distance (D) apart from the rotation axis (XI); and one or more elastic members (8) vertically between support frame (7) and the hoisting machine (2), the hoisting machine (2) being mounted on the support frame (7) via said one or more elastic members (8) to rest vertically supported by the support frame (7); wherein the hoisting machine (2) is movable relative to the support frame (7) upwards and downwards by pivoting around said pivot axis (X2), the pivoting movement in particular at least downwards being elastically resisted by the one or more elastic members (8).

2. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the total length (L) of the motor (3) and the one or more drive wheels (4,5) coaxially connected to the motor (6) as measured in direction of the rotation axis (XI) is greater than the greatest width (W) of the motor (6) and one or more drive wheels (4,5) coaxially connected to the motor (6) as measured in its radial direction of the motor (6).

3. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (7) is mounted on one or more vertically oriented guide rails (11) for guiding an elevator car (15) and / or on one or more vertically oriented guide rails (12) for guidingthe counterweight (16), to be vertically carried by said one or more vertically oriented guide rails (11,12).

4. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more hoisting ropes (10) passing around each said drive wheel (4,5).

5. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis (X2) extends beside the motor (3) and said one or more drive wheels (4,5).

6. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis (X2) is within the height (h) of the one or more drive wheels (4,5).

7. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal distance (D) is greater than radius (r) of the one or more drive wheels (4,5), preferably at least 2 times, more preferably at least 4 times the radius (r) of the one or more drive wheels (4,5).

8. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal distance (D) is shorter than 10 times the radius of the one or more drive wheels (4,5); and / or the radius (r) of the one or more drive wheels (4,5) is between 4 and 20 cm, most preferably between 4 and 10 cm; and / or the horizontal distance (D) is greater than 15 cm and shorter than 80 cm.

9. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more elastic members (8) are springs, preferably compression springs, such as preferably helical springs.

10. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the motor (3) comprises a rotor (3a), and the one or more drive wheels (4,5) of the hoisting machine (2) comprises a first and second drive wheel (4,5), which are coaxially connected to the rotor (3a) in axial direction (XI) of the motor (3) on opposite sides of the rotor (3a).

11. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (7) comprises a first support structure (7a) extending below the hoisting machine (2), said one or more elastic members (8) being in vertical direction between the first support structure (7a) and the hoisting machine (2).

12. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (7) comprises a second support structure (7b; 7bl,7b2) extending beside the hoisting machine (2), the hoisting machine (2) being mounted via said hinge arrangement (9) pivotally on the second support structure (7b; 7bl,7b2) of the support frame (7).

13. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hoisting machine (2) has a range of vertical movement at least 10 mm, in particular in different load states of the car 15 of the elevator.

14. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge arrangement (9) connects the hoisting machine (2) to the support frame (7), in particular to the second support structure (7b) thereof, pivotally around a pivot axis (X2) at at least a first position (Pl) and a second position (P2), which positions are in direction of the pivot axis (X2) at a distance (d) from each other, said distance (d) being preferably greater than half of the distancebetween the first (lOfirst) and the last (lOlast) of the ropes (10) and / or greater than the distance between the first (Rfirst) and last (Rlast) of the rope receiving rim locations (R) of the one or more drive wheels (4,5) as viewed in direction of axis (XI).

15. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hinge arrangement (9) comprises a first pivot joint (JI) at said first position (Pl) and a second pivot joint (J2) at said second position (P2) between the hoisting machine (2) and the second support structure (7b;7bl,7b2).

16. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said connection points (P1,P2) are in direction of the rotation axis (XI) on opposite sides of the central point (c) of the rotor (3a) and / or on opposite axial sides of the rotor (3a).

17. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more elastic members (8) are at the same horizontal side of the axis (X2) as the axis (XI).

18. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal distance of one or more of said elastic members (8) from the axis (XI) is shorter than half of the distance (D).

19. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more elastic members (8) comprise elastic members (8), which are in direction of the pivot axes (XI, X2) at a distance from each other.

20. A hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (7) comprises a third support structure (7c), which is a horizontally planar metal plate portion and fixed against the back face of a vertically oriented guide rail (11), saidguide rail (11) preferably being guide rail for guiding an elevator car (15).

21. An elevator (100) comprising a car (15) and a counterweight (16), and a hoisting machine arrangement (1) for moving the car (15) and a counterweight (16), which hoisting machine arrangement (1) is as defined in any of the preceding claims.

22. An elevator (100) or a hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (7) is mounted immovably in the hoistway (19) of the elevator.

23. An elevator (100) or a hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elevator (100) comprises one or more vertically oriented guide rails (11) for guiding an elevator car(15) and one or more vertically oriented guide rails (11) for guiding the counterweight (16).

24. An elevator (100) or a hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support frame (7) is mounted on one or more vertically oriented guide rails (11) for guiding an elevator car (15) and / or on one or more vertically oriented guide rails (12) for guiding the counterweight (16), to rest vertically supported by said one or more vertically oriented guide rails (11,12).

25. An elevator (100) or a hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the car (15) and the counterweight(16) are disposed in a hoistway (19) of the elevator where they are vertically movable along guide rails (11,12) with the hoisting machine arrangement (1).

26. An elevator (100) or a hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises one or more hoisting ropes (10) passing around each said drive wheel (4,5).

27. An elevator (100) or a hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hoisting ropes (10) comprise one or more load bearing members and a coating forming the surface of the rope (10), in particular via which it engages or at least can engage a drive wheel (4,5) of the hoisting machine (2), the coating comprising polymer material.

28. An elevator (100) or a hoisting machine arrangement (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hoisting ropes (10) are belts.

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